The Deep Dive - 605

Curious about what Sioux Falls looked like before the Empire Mall, Cherapa Place, or the Washington Pavilion took shape? This blog post takes you on a “then-and-now” tour of iconic Sioux Falls landmarks, showing how once-empty fields, old warehouses, and historic schools have transformed into the vibrant spaces we know today.

Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to town, you'll enjoy this nostalgic look at Sioux Falls b...

🎙️ South Dakota Road Trip: Exploring I-29
Cruise north through the heart of eastern South Dakota with South Dakota Road Trip: Exploring I-29—your on-the-road audio guide packed with stories, sights, and surprises just off the interstate.

From historic river towns and native landmarks to quirky roadside stops and scenic state parks, this podcast uncovers hidden treasures within 5 miles of I-29. Whether you're a curious travel...

South Dakota Road Trip: Cruising I-90
Hit play and hit the road with “South Dakota Road Trip: Cruising I-90”—your audio companion for one of America’s most underrated drives. Whether you’re rolling solo, wrangling kids in the backseat, or chasing sunsets with your co-pilot, this podcast guides you westbound across South Dakota's I-90 with local stories, quirky roadside attractions, and hidden gems within 5 miles of the inter...

What do lamb cubes, garlic salt, and toothpicks have in common? If you're from South Dakota, the answer is easy: Chislic. In this sizzling episode, we dive deep into the savory story behind the state’s official nosh—from its immigrant origins and barroom roots to modern food truck twists and small-town festivals drawing thousands.

Join Chad Theisen, your Seasoned Agent, as he uncovers the tradition, taste, and turf wars of chislic i...

Every fall, South Dakota turns orange—not just with leaves, but with blaze-orange vests, shotgun cases, and pheasant tales stretching back over a century. In this episode, we dive into how a bird from halfway across the world became our state bird, cultural icon, and economic powerhouse.

You'll hear the fascinating story of how pheasants were introduced to the South Dakota prairie, why they thrived, and how communities—especially Si...

Long before the robins return or the snow fully melts, a small purple flower rises from the frost-covered prairie. In this episode, we explore the story of South Dakota’s state flower—the American Pasque Flower—also known as the May Day flower.

You’ll learn how this early bloomer became a state symbol in 1903, why it holds deep meaning in Lakota culture, and how Sioux Falls locals celebrate its annual return with nature walks and pr...

Strong. Quiet. Resilient. In this episode we dig into the story of South Dakota’s state tree—the Black Hills Spruce. Native to the rocky slopes of western South Dakota and adopted as the official state tree in 1947, this evergreen is more than just a tree—it’s a symbol of the strength it takes to grow deep roots in tough places.

Join Chad Theisen as he explores how this spruce became a part of both Lakota tradition and pioneer survi...

It’s early morning on a South Dakota lake. The mist is still rising, your rod tip dips—and just like that, you’ve hooked into a South Dakota classic: the walleye.

In this episode we dive deep into the story behind the state fish of South Dakota. From its official designation in 1992 to its reign as the king of Friday night fish frys, the walleye is more than just a prized catch—it’s part of our identity.

We’ll explore its natural hab...

Smart, scrappy, and always one step ahead—the coyote is more than just a prairie predator. In this episode we take a deep dive into South Dakota’s official state animal, from its 1949 designation to its legendary role in Lakota folklore and modern-day wildlife management.

You’ll hear about Tootsie, the singing coyote from the Black Hills who stole the hearts of South Dakotans, and explore how this adaptable animal has become both a ...

From postcards to license plates, the granite faces of Mount Rushmore have become the symbol most associated with South Dakota. But how did this monument go from a tourist attraction to defining the state’s very nickname?

In this episode we take a deep dive into how South Dakota officially became The Mount Rushmore State in 1992—and why that name carries more weight than most realize. You’ll hear the backstory of the monument’s cons...

Long before South Dakota was known for bison, pheasants, or even presidents carved in stone—it was home to one of the most iconic dinosaurs to ever walk the earth: the Triceratops.

In this episode we take a deep dive into the story of South Dakota’s state fossil, officially designated in 1988. From fossil-rich digs in the Badlands and Harding County to museum displays in Rapid City and Lemmon, this three-horned herbivore has left it...

It might not tower like a spruce or bloom like a pasque flower, but South Dakota’s state grass—Western Wheatgrass—is the quiet hero of the prairie.

In this episode we take a deep dive into how this hardy native plant became our official state grass in 1970. From stabilizing soil on windswept ranches to feeding livestock through spring and fall, Western Wheatgrass plays a vital role in agriculture, conservation, and land management a...

It’s pink, it’s powerful, and it’s pulled straight from the heart of the Black Hills. In this episode we take a deep dive into South Dakota’s official state mineral—rose quartz.

Designated in 1966, this stunning stone has long symbolized peace, love, and quiet strength. But beyond its beauty, rose quartz tells a story of ancient geology, mining towns, local artisans, and collectors who still wander the hills in search of the perfect...

Hidden in the gravel beds of the Buffalo Gap and scattered across the rugged landscape of the Black Hills lies a treasure uniquely South Dakotan: the Fairburn Agate.

In this episode we dig into the swirling bands, rich colors, and sacred legends behind South Dakota’s official state gemstone—designated in 1966. You’ll hear how this elusive stone has drawn in rockhounds for over a century, and why its origins continue to spark debate ...

Custard, fruit, and a flaky crust might sound simple—but in South Dakota, it tells a story. In this episode we take a deep dive into kuchen, the official state dessert, and the sweet legacy it carries from prairie kitchens to church basements and beyond.

Brought over by German-Russian immigrants in the 1800s and made official in 2000, kuchen has become more than a recipe—it’s a connection to heritage, hospitality, and heartland trad...

From golden sunbursts to steamboats on the river, South Dakota’s state flag and seal are packed with more meaning than meets the eye. In this episode we take a deep dive into the history, evolution, and powerful imagery behind these official emblems of identity.

You’ll discover how a farmer, a plow, a smelting furnace, and the motto “Under God the People Rule” came together in 1885 to form the Great Seal—long before statehood. Then ...

In South Dakota, milk is more than just a drink—it’s a way of life. Officially named the state drink in 1986, milk represents generations of farm families, 4‑H kids showing their first dairy heifer, and the backbone of a growing agricultural economy.

In this episode we take a deep dive into the white gold that built rural communities and still fills school lunch trays from Milbank to Sioux Falls. You’ll hear how the dairy industry h...

They may be tiny, but honeybees carry a mighty load across South Dakota's farms, prairies, and backyards. Named the official state insect in 1978, these tireless workers are essential to pollinating crops, supporting wildlife, and producing some of the nation’s finest honey.

In this episode we take a deep dive into the world of the honeybee—exploring why South Dakota ranks near the top in U.S. honey production and how over 200,000 h...

In this vibrant episode, we take you on a walking tour through the heart of Sioux Falls — not by foot, but through paint, texture, and the stories etched into the city’s walls. From the nostalgic “Sioux Falls Postcard” mural to the massive 14,000-square-foot masterpiece on the 10th Street parking ramp, we explore the artists, inspiration, and meaning behind the most iconic building murals in town.

You’ll hear about:
The hidden symbol...